a welcome;

[mallowmods]

Who: Everyone and everyone!
What: Welcoming in the new members to Mallow Hallow
Where: Everywhere!
When: March 2nd.

[ Once everyone’s settled in their particular districts, no doubt thousands of questions running between each individual mind, there’s an announcement. Not over the devices, but rather in speakers all over each and every district. A familiar voice should ring out—you did, after all, hear the voice of your Queen earlier today. ]

Ahem! Can you hear me? Ah, right then.

Hello loveies! You might recall this particular visage which speaks before you—that is, I am your Queen. Call me Queenie, if you must! I’ve met you all on this particular day, and I find it important to bestow some of my boundless knowledge onto you, sweethearts.

Now! Done with formalities, let’s see where we stand… ah, yes! Might I be the first to welcome you all to Mallow Hallow, our wonderful little country. Not too big, not quite too small either! It’s just lovely, isn’t it? Oh, how all my new babies will love it here! Or—perhaps not. [ She clicks her tongue. ] Either way, it doesn't really matter. You're stuck here for the time, so do try to make the most of it, dears.

Of course, there are our sectors within Mallow Hallow. Six… [ There’s silence for a short moment. ] Yes, there are six, aren’t there..? Well, six different communities you might stem off from! Surely you remember the name from our meeting earlier? If not, I’m sure one of the regular inhabitants of each particular district will assist you in naming your new home!

Live where you’d like, eat what you’d like, do what you’d like! Our homes are now your homes, so please, consider us all a big happy family to you! Remember you can reach me or any of the other rulers of any of the districts, over at our voicemails! [ Somehow, that seems sarcastic… ]

Also, don’t cause any trouble, or I’ll personally end you. [ There it is. ]

I suppose that's all. Well then, bye now, dears! And let the word spread—Mallow Hallow is up and rising once again!

[ ooc: Quick links: Lochwell | Mallowhallow | Orlea | Astralfield | Crystalden | Highcrest | Whitewood | Network ]

Comments

[eyeofamiracle]

[Jim found himself slumped against a tree as the Queen's announcement faded in the air, his crocodile's head resting in his lap. Replaying the Queen's words in his head once more, he sighed and adjusted his cowboy hat over his eyes, and started whistling softly. As he petted Karen softly, Jim leaned his head back, the quiet thunk of his skull hitting bark helping him focus.

Dirt roads, wooden shacks that had seen better days, and people either dressed in clothes almost akin to rags or adorned in a full suit of armor. A strange device that looked like a scroll in his possession. A King and Queen and something about 'family'. It wasn't home, it wasn't South Academia in Australia. It wasn't some bizarre illusion in the Outback. It wasn't a friend's house or a different continent.

It was another dimension all together.

So far, it didn't feel him with the dread as the last one had, despite his departure there spanning a little over a year; the memories were still there, lurking in his mind - he wouldn't be rid of them with just time passing. It wasn't skies of dark purple clouds and dueling to the death against monsters unimaginable, it wasn't days spent with recklessness born from the urge to save friends. It wasn't life or death.

However, it wasn't all that comforting either.]

Oi, Karen. [He muttered, smiling just a bit when she peeked at him with sleepy orange eyes.] We're gonna head out in a bit so start waking up, ol' girl.

[Jim wouldn't move just yet, instead keeping his position near a crossroad, the tree casting a comforting shade. Being in a different world, as concerning as it was, wouldn't be so bad if he had Karen. He'd soon find a way back home soon, hopefully; he couldn't stay here, and he had his responsibilities back home. It would be nice to see some of his old friends, though, to maybe have help knowing what was going on, but if he was in danger (which was a reasonable concern), he'd want them back home in Japan or Duel Academia or wherever, somewhere safe.

...Oh, well. Worrying wouldn't get him anywhere. But at least the weather was nice.]

[ensconces]

[Some people have different priorities. Maybe they are content with a change to the point where it is exciting. That sort of idea is not something that is going through his mind, however. This place really isn't comforting at all. It may be imagined as something like an extensive vacation or a reward for all he has done. But this is worse that someone trying to force the idea of shoes.

There is the factor Oliver isn't alone. Not that it is in reference to people who are here just like him even though that needs to be taken account. No, no. His feathered companion, James, is with him and on his shoulder just as things needed to be. Without the bird, surely things would be at their worst. Now if only other things can be fixed. He needs to get back to his home. Things sounded as though they cannot be undone but that is certainly not acceptable! And how is this to be fixed?

By walking aimlessly, of course.

The boy has went down a path or two, somewhat dragging his bare feet against the dirt. Yes, that is something to keep his interest for a moment. It is enough to distract from the actual thinking. But how is he supposed to think? It is too much of a challenge. Things are not how they are supposed to be. The Queen that probably doesn't even have a name besides that just has decided on things without his permission! Maybe walking can get him somewhere, though. If he walks far enough. If there is an ocean, maybe he can swim. Geography. What is it.

He kicks at a large clump of dirt and comes to a stop. This isn't being productive at all. Oliver lifts his head to look up at the sky as though it is going to drop an idea on him. Nothing. He lowers his head. Nothing. Time to look at the right. Nothing. Well, there are some trees. It is when he turns his head in the other direction that something gets his attention. Not that is going to help him get any closer to his goal, that is.

Is that what he thinks it is? He can't believe his...eye. Over there, by one of those trees was a man. Not that was the remarkable part as much as the friend beside that person. A crocodile! What sort of madness is that? It is then the boy begins to move the path.]

Oi! Mister!

[eyeofamiracle]

[A hand gently stroking Karen's leathery head, Jim sighed, already planning whatever course of action he could accomplish with his limited sources. He'd need a home, somewhere near water so it'd be easier for Karen, and hopefully the water would be drinkable - it'd save him a extra step. Food had to be found, either earned or what have you; stealing in a area full of knights didn't sound too appealing, and Jim would never be keen on killing an animal. His clothes would do just fine.

All this, that is, just in case he couldn't find an instant way back. The Queen had already said their wasn't any way back, which helped solidify his deduction on that this wasn't his earth. Besides, maybe he was here for a reason? Life always seemed to work that way for him, and back home, the only duties he had to attend to were self-planned fossil excavations - he hadn't signed up for any duel tourneys, so no one would be expecting him. His friends, however, might find out of his absence, but that was a worry for another day.

Patting Karen on the head, clicking his tongue to tell her it was time to go, Jim stood, arms stretched high as he groaned. It was only then that he blinked stupidly with his one eye, arms slack in the air when he heard someone call to him. Lowering his arms, Jim looked on at what appeared to be a young boy with a bird companion, the boy shoe-less and wearing a mailman-looking hat, and had bandages over his eye. Jim's hand came to brush against the bottom of his own, before he smiled to himself. It was almost as if he was looking into some strange mirror.

Walking a bit forward, he waved to the boy, eyeing the bird with a curious glance before he sent the kid a smile, one warm but not completely whole; he was a little tired, but that was to be expected.] Hey there.

[ensconces]

[Something was certainly noticed and that was what had brought him along. But with getting closer and trying to keep his head up, he acknowledged some sort of fact; the similarities did not fly over the boy's head. It was enough to smile even though he liked his own hat much better. That wasn't the reason of the chosen encounter, however, and he felt a little rushed when he saw the man get up. Wait, no! But the man had been decent enough to stop and it prompted Oliver to stand in front of him for a moment.

And then he looked down. He had been trying not to but fiddlesticks-- it was the initial reason to why he was there even if it was rude to stare. At the very least, he wasn't pointing. Oliver's eye would go from the crocodile to the man and then back to the crocodile again. His smile didn't leave as he was too amazed with things. Whoever the person was, they were already quite incredible. He glanced at James on his shoulder, expecting the bird to be impressed as well. But the bird clearly didn't give a shit, shifting on his feet.

Killjoy.

The boy would look at the man again, in that case.]

Mister, is that crocodile your friend?

Can I just say I love this so far? <3

[eyeofamiracle]

[Watching as they came closer, Jim shifted on his feet, scanning over the boy's form once, twice, and smiling all the while. Definitely similar, Jim decided, as he noticed their parallel placed bandages, their animal companions, and was that a flicker of curiosity in the boy's eyes? To Jim, the child seemed light on his feet, shy, but as he walked forward, Jim admired the way he kept his head up, the way a smile was on his face.

Whoever this child was, Jim knew he liked them already.

Calm and composed, Jim maintained a relaxed front, not cautious but not blind - he made sure to keep his gaze from the boy's bandages out of respect, instead peeking at the bird in interest. It was a bit hard on his neck, looking down; one of the downsides of being tall, he supposed. Karen merely remained silent, not growling nor moving, eyes on not the bird but the boy. He was aware she was watching intently for threats, but Jim met her eye in the corner of his own, and she slowly lowered her ever-watchful gaze with a glare at the man. Turning his attention back to the newcomer, he watched as their eye darted, hoping he saw interest in them instead of the usual fear that came when one saw Karen.

Then they spoke, and Jim was glad at what he heard.]

Yep, Karen's my friend. She's been with me for years.

[A quick pause, Jim chuckling as he heard Karen's tail swish in the grass at her mention.]

I take it that bird is your friend also, mate?

awesome, 'cause I do too! .w.

[ensconces]

[Friendship was something that he had assumed. The crocodile and the man were sitting together rather peacefully so what else could they have been? But maybe it wouldn't have been appreciated if he said something so outright. One had to be mindful around people even though it wasn't easy. Surely he was no good at it. But in this case it had been applied and he was rewarded. The excitement in the boy only grew.]

I knew it!

[He outright beamed at that. The idea of being right was a nice one. It was a wonder how anyone could have a crocodile so closely but if one could do it with cats and dogs then anything was possible. From the boy's point of view, that wasn't something to be questioned as much as it was accepted. When the man made mention of the bird, Oliver was quick about nodding. He glanced at the bird on his shoulder before bringing a hand up and gently around the bird before his other hand joined it. Making sure to keep the hold light, he would hold out his hands to the man all while running a thumb over the top of the American Goldfinch's head.]

His name is James.

[His words had suddenly become breathless. There was something about the bird that was simply all he wanted. Yes, James was not capable of cooking but there were a lot of things that Oliver couldn't do. That had to have applied to everyone, he thought. Maybe like Karen and the man. The boy's voice would then drop down to a whisper.]

Isn't he amazing?

Awesome~ :3

[eyeofamiracle]

[The boy's enthusiasm was happily shared, Jim grinning all the while at the outburst. Not many were keen on asking him right away about Karen - well, they were, but not in a simply curious nature. They were too mindful, too careful around something they deemed dangerous, most never hesitating to tell Jim so, to call him insane for caring for a crocodile. This was a nice change, someone who seemed accepting of Jim's choice of family instead of scornful.

Karen, from her place on the ground, merely growled politely in greeting, Jim's happiness and acceptance keeping her at ease. Both reptile and man, however, watched with rapt attention as the boy gently grasped the bird, holding it out for what Jim supposed was an introduction. Hearing the child's enthusiasm about his own companion, Jim smiled and nodded simply.]

He sure is a pretty bird.

[Companionship. It came in all shapes and sizes, forms and being. Some people found comfort in people, others animals (either accepted by society or not), and some even went to the lengths of finding comfort in things that couldn't speak back, things merely an object. With Karen, he had found a home in something all those years ago, and with her, he had found happiness in her friendship. Despite her mischievousness nature and playful nature, he hadn't been happier.

And even now, at this moment, could he still cling to that simple happiness born many years ago.]

Yeah, he really is amazing!

[Reaching up, he adjusted his hat on his head, fingers skimming over the worn leather.]

I'm Jim Cook, by the way.

[ensconces]

[That had all went swimmingly until the man's comment. While it was a compliment, it wasn't appreciated by everyone. James attempted to get out of Oliver's grasp and the boy was not about to try to hold him in. The bird would return to his place on Oliver's shoulder with ruffled wings. It was enough to get the boy to sigh. At least there hadn't been some sort of negative action taken against the stranger, himself.]

I don't think James likes being called pretty. But he is nice, really, he is!

[One would have thought that would have been enough ego stroking for James but apparently not. Oliver was not about to bother the bird. He'd let him wallow in whatever he was feeling. James would surely get over it. It wasn't like the man only said he was pretty. They both had agreed on the 'amazing' aspect.]It certainly wasn't the worst of their problems right now but it wasn't setting much of an impression. Time to bring the boy's mind back to the conversation.]

It's nice to meet you, Mr. Jim! My name is Oliver!

[Maybe they were friends, now. The man seemed rather decent and wasn't saying anything daft. But there was no goal to stay here long. That's right, he had to get back home, somehow. While he was currently enjoying himself that wasn't going to get him out of this place any faster. Jim had to be in the same situation too, right? But Oliver had to make sure, first.]

Uh, if you don't mind me asking...Where are you from?

[eyeofamiracle]

[Jim observed as the bird went back to his starting position on the boy's shoulders, wings ruffled and leaving Jim with a feeling of embarrassment - he hadn't meant to offend the bird or the boy. Truthfully, it was almost similar to people calling Karen a threat or claiming her with some foul choice words; everyone had their hangups, right? Karen, however, apparently though the whole thing was hilarious, little growls slipping in between her sharp teeth.]

Ah! I apologize, James, and to you too.

[Well, these things happen to everyone, and hopefully it's nothing Jim can't fix with some conversation. Rolling his shoulders awkwardly, hoping this first impression could get back to how it was at the very start, he smiled as the boy introduced himself. Well, seems like they both had something similar in mind, then.]

Well, it's a pleasure to meet you, Oliver.

[Because it really was a pleasure, meeting someone that Jim guessed held similar ideals. Oliver hadn't been anything but amusing and kind since he walked over, James interesting as well. Humming once, the boy's next words made him remember what he was actually planning on doing before he came over: look for a home since getting back to his real home seemed kind of a stunted goal right now. He wondered if Oliver was in in the same situation as he responded with:]

You're fine, mate. I'm from a different world, though, from a place on planet Earth called Australia.

[He wondered how ridiculous he just sounded saying that, but he didn't know if anyone else here was from Earth - different dimensions weren't the easiest book to read.]

[ensconces]

Don't worry about it. He can be a little stuffy.

[But maybe if Oliver himself had been addressed as pretty he wouldn't have liked it, either. A compliment was a compliment and James had been rude. Things would have been much worse. Now he was over thinking things! He needlessly shook his head to himself as though it would dismiss all the troubles. His mind needed to stay focused on the more important things...like with Jim talking. What he heard was good news! It was a little off the way it was put but who was to care? Jim wasn't originally from here, either.]

Me too! I mean-- I'm from Earth!

[But it was strange to say.]

I'm from Britain. I...think.

[Now he was not completely sure. He had to be somewhere from there, at least. A hand was brought up to his cheek to rub at it while he furrowed his brow. Where was he exactly from? There was no exact location coming to mind. He was in a hurry to get back and yet he was only stumped. Those were needless details, however. The man hadn't asked at all so there was no need to elaborate. He just knew the current place wasn't where he was meant to be. There were things to do elsewhere.]

I want to find a way back.

[eyeofamiracle]

[Jim just nodded at the statement about James, his smile still tired but still kind. Karen had opted to curl up at Jim's feet, clearly ignoring the conversation above as she rested, not asleep but not overly alert, her jaws covering the toes of his boots. Taking his attention from her to Oliver, he smiled at what he considered was good news.]

Well then, that makes things a bit easier.

[Well, maybe. If there were different dimensions, what about different Earths? He shook his head at that; no need to hurt himself thinking about the unexplainable matter of the cosmos.]

Britain. [The "I think" was concerning, but at least it was a start, right?] I've heard of it, but never had a chance to visit.

[Taking a moment to himself as he watched the kid think, Jim frowned. Different worlds, the possibility of different Earths. All sorts of people were here, he imagined - he hadn't met many non-natives yet. Was all of this a game to someone, or was there an underlying goal being carried out in that castle? Would they have to fight to survive like he had to in that one dimension; maybe not, the Queen did seem to be fairly kind about this whole ordeal. But then, the Queen and King: who are they? Too many questions, and Jim's overly-curious nature was starting to show. Luckily, Oliver's voice broke his thoughts.]

I do, too. Unfortunately, I'm not entirely sure of how we can get back as of right now.

[Karen nudged Jim in the leg as he tensed up; once the man started thinking, it's hard to snap him out of it. Sighing, Jim shrugged and sent Karen a grateful smile.]

Frankly, I don't...quite know of what else to do now but find some shelter for the night, and find some food. I don't wanna stay here forever, but I don't want to sit around and do nothing while I wait for answers. All I know is I want to get home soon.

[He was trying to be logical about the situation, as hard as it was to focus. Suddenly, he blinked and smiled apologetically, sheepishly.] Sorry. I just went on a rant.

[ensconces]

[Somewhere in Britain he was from, surely. But he wandered. It was not as though he always stayed there. Where he had to be, however, must have been Earth. Where was this place? Did anyone take a notice to him missing? There were many others in the same business as him but it didn't mean he had never been at somewhat of a similar point as them.

Such things were far away, however, and all he could do was listen to what the man had to say. Things were not so light as they had previously been; something had gotten thicker. The situation was a serious one despite having found someone who was outwardly like himself. It was not a game but why did it have to be real? Why was it that he had to be in such a place? But he had to agree with Jim.]

No, you're right. We can't just wait. We have to do something to make sure we'll be okay.

[They could not allow themselves to become complete wrecks. It would not make their situation any easier. While looking around for a decent place to lay down for a moment would not be getting them any closer to actually leaving, they would at least be alive. They had to be alive to leave. Answers would not come easy. It was not what he wanted to accept. Slow progress was an aggravating thing but he had to think about James and his needs.]

Mr. Jim, is it okay if I...

[He paused. Maybe he had considered the man his friend all the sudden even though it may have not been the safest idea or smart. But he was being inconsiderate for wanting to keep onto something. He had to be a man and provide for himself.]

HEHEHEHE

[reverberator]

[So, Rosa will be the first to admit to having no idea how Pokemon romance, or even crocodilian romance, works. But she's pretty sure this isn't it, watching her Krookodile, Nook, quietly go down on all fours and curiously inspect Karen. It's uncomfortable for him, because he's made to be bipedal for the most part, but she supposes it must be worth a little awkwardness to get a... sniff of the other one, or something.]

Oh my gosh, Nook, you're such a creep. Come back here.

[He only inches back a little, but seems reluctant to part from the object of his curiosity. Rosa pulls at her face with her hands.]

Ugh, sorry! [Taking advantage of the situation, she moves to sit on his back. Nook could throw her off with ease if he wanted to, but he doesn't; he just sits there with a slightly befuddled look in pitch-black eyes.] He'll behave, I promise. Um, by the way... is that a Pokemon? She's not like anything I've ever seen before...

/cackling madly

[eyeofamiracle]

[Almost close to falling asleep, hat tipped over to cast a shadow over his face, Jim found some solace in the black behind his eye - if only for a little while, he'd allow himself not to think, to have a moment of respite.

Well, he would've had one if he hadn't heard Karen growling.]

What's wrong, gi-...rl.

[Off all things he expected her to growl at, to drop her tone into angry enough to worry Jim, this wasn't at all what he was expecting. It looked to him like some type of crocodile or reptile, almost dinosuar-like in appearance, and it was sniffing curiously in their direction. And while that in itself would normally be fascinating for him, the sight of it staring at Karen the way Judai stared at fried shrimp didn't sit well with him.

...Then someone actually sat down on the crocodile.]

Uhm, it's fine, miss. Trust me, I understand the nature of crocodiles. [Karen directed her growl towards him at the comment, yellow eyes sporting an exhausted look, and he patted her head with a chuckle. Sitting up from his slouched position against the tree, tipping his hat in her direction with an amused, but still bewildered, smile, he took to her question with a curious tone.]

...Pokemon? 'Fraid I've never heard of a Pokemon before, miss. Are they a type of animal?

[allseeingtongue]

[Terezi comes walking down the road, ambling along at ease. She moves with a feral grace; a slim girl with grey skin and short dark hair. From her hair sprout a pair of tapered horns, coloured exactly like candy corn. Her ears are pointed, and her eyes are burnt-out-red behind her red glasses. Her lips are black and she's smiling as she comes, a cheerful piranha grin. She's dressed in all black, save for the teal Libra sign on her shirt and her bright red sneakers. Tapping along the road is her red-and-white dragon-headed cane, clutched in clawed fingers.]

[She pauses as she draws even with Jim's location, turning her head and sniffing the air. She scents, lips parting, breath hissing faintly over all those sharp fangs.]

[eyeofamiracle]

[Still lounging comfortably under the tree with Karen's heavy head resting happily in his lap, eye closed underneath the rim of his hat, Jim found everything to be all right with the world. Well, for now - soon enough, he would have to get up, to put his plans of home-searching into action. For now, though? A rest was deserved. If not, he'd do something later to deserve it.

But then, he heard a noise, distant but... foreboding, similar to a predator's call he had grown accustomed to back home in Australia. Karen also grew alert, tail tense and claws still, jaw cracked to hiss into the air. Looking around, Jim finds a figure in the distance - a human...well, then again, not exactly.]

Um, hey there?

[allseeingtongue]

[Reptilian and musky, human and creature. Crocodiles had been her consorts on her game planet, and dragons had been her companions, but this didn't smell like either of them. Terezi headed that way, steps oddly sure given the cane that tapped out her way.]

Hello! Another human, I see, and someone else.

[Her cane encounters a root, and she pauses, measuring, before she steps over and keeps coming.]

[eyeofamiracle]

[Jim eyed the cane as the person approached, admiring the intricacies of the design. However, the stranger's voice captured his attention with ease, Jim doing a once-over before he stood quickly, ushering an apology to a startled Karen.}

Ahem, hello. I'm Jim, and this...is Karen. [He entertained the thought that she resembled a duel monster, but calling his thought as rude, shrugged it off. Yet...they didn't appear human, completely so - the horns on her (her, right?) head didn't look at all prosthetic. The smile, showing sharpened teeth, seemed carnal; Jim found himself tense, and he figured he was rightly so to be cautious as he watched her fumble with the root.]

...Mind if I ask your name, ma'am?

[allseeingtongue]

My name is Terezi!

[She comes to a halt in front of Jim, poking at his boot with her staff. Then she crouches down and grins at Karen, oblivious - or perhaps impervious - to any danger.]

You're not a dragon. What are you?

[eyeofamiracle]

[Too quick for him to register her words to form some sort of reply, he found the end of the staff being dug lightly into his boot. A grimace claimed his lips as he scooted his leg back, warily eyeing the stranger as concern started to pit in his stomach. Terezi was too unpredictable to truly make him certain of what to do, or maybe she were just overly blunt or oblivious.

But none of that mattered when a sharp-tooth grin was inches away from Karen's snout.]

Hey! [Aware of his defensive tone, he found himself motioning for Karen to find her way behind his legs, Jim watching Terezi with a gaze not quite a glare but not a pleased look.] Not too close there, Shelia. And she's a crocodile.

[allseeingtongue]

[Terezi's face took on a puzzled expression.]

My name is not Shelia. It's Terezi! She does not smell like the game crocodiles! Is she a human Earth crocodile?

[Terezi stood again, and tapped her cane closer to Jim. It was easier to read expression that way! But she could smell the pepper-hot-spice of irritation. Welp, sometimes that happened!]

[eyeofamiracle]

The word 'Shelia' is just an expression. [Frowning slightly, not wanting to insult (although the strangers proximity still had him alert), he added:] Sorry, though.

[At his feet, Karen's eyes were glazed over in irritation, teeth bared under the scaly lip of her jaw. Jim tapped against her claw with the heel of his boot, motioning for her to be at ease.] She's not a creature to be hunted. [Because game meant hunt, poachers always called animals that; he knew that.] She's an...Earth crocodile, and moreover, she's my friend!

[He found himself unraveling his clenched fists, breathing sharply through his teeth as he sighed. He hadn't meant to yell, but old habits died hard - he'd be protective of Karen until the day one of them died, and if he went first, he'd most likely be haunting anyone brave enough to bother her when he was gone.]

Mmm. Anyway. [He needed a subject change. Although changed to what, he didn't know.]

[allseeingtongue]

Why would I hunt her? In the game, the crocodiles were my consorts! They were very helpful!

[Terezi leaned on her cane and grinned at Jim. He was spirited and he wasn't afraid of her. She liked that! Too many people she'd met today had been afraid of her, and not in the good way! Fearful respect for a dread legislacerator was one thing. Fear of her because she was not human was something new and she didn't like it much!]

[eyeofamiracle]

[At that sentence that didn't really make much sense to him whatsoever, Jim at least managed to relax a bit. So this person wouldn't hunt down Karen, and she actually had used crocodiles as allies in a...game.

He's always been a curious person, but he really didn't want to know what she meant by 'used.' Or what the game was about, either.]

A-Ah. Well. [He coughed to clear his throat. His eye found its gaze landing on her sharp grin, Terezi watching him like she was impressed or something. Of all of the encounters he's had today, this was by far one of the strangest.] What district are you living in, Terezi? I mean, if I can ask.

[There you go, Jim. The conversation changed...hopefully.]

[allseeingtongue]

The place with the most delicious-tasting pillows.

[Terezi comes closer to Jim. He smells....brown and dusty. She reaches out with a clawed hand, careful to angle her claws so she will not accidentally catch frail human skin. She is curious, and apparently humans will let her have a free license of touching once they know she's blind. Very different from trolls!]